United Kingdom · Learning and development · C-Suite (20+ years)

VP, Global Learning & Development

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

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  • Experience bandC-Suite (20+ years)
  • Reports toChief People Officer (CPO)
  • UK framework levelUsually a director, accountable for a division and its numbers

Also advertised as Chief Learning Officer (CLO) · Global Head of Talent & Learning · Executive VP, People Development

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Playwork (Wales) NCFE · Level 5 · covers 2 of 10 standards
LRN Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training Learning Resource Network · Level 5 · covers 1 of 10 standards
CICM Level 5 Diploma in Credit and Collections Management Chartered Institute of Credit Management · Level 5 · covers 1 of 10 standards
SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate In Learning and Development SFJ Awards · Level 3 · covers 4 of 10 standards
City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma in Learning and Development City & Guilds Limited · Level 4 · covers 4 of 10 standards
OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training OCN London · Level 4 · covers 2 of 10 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Provide learning opportunities for colleagues NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Playwork (Wales)
Manage Learning and Development in Groups LRN Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
Compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements CICM Level 5 Diploma in Credit and Collections Management
Identify individual learning and development needs SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate In Learning and Development

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Automation Fluency building AI into how work runs
Foresight Fluency seeing round the corner
Your Plan Illustration

Built for VP, Global Learning & Development

4 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Provide learning opportunities for colleagues NCFE · covers 2 of 10 standards Level 5
  2. Manage Learning and Development in Groups Learning Resource Network · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 5
  3. Compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements Chartered Institute of Credit Management · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 5
  4. Identify individual learning and development needs SFJ Awards · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a VP, Global Learning & Development?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • AI-Driven Talent Orchestration
  • Digital Ethics & AI Governance in Learning
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your VP, Global Learning & Development plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

3What this role really is

This role sets the strategy for learning and development across an organisation, covering compliance and skills alike. It means working at executive level, deciding how people are trained, kept compliant, and prepared for change. The work covers protecting reputation and standards, while building a workforce that is capable and engaged.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

LMS Platforms (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning) Strategic/Architect

Leads LMS selection, defines enterprise governance, oversees integration into the broader GRC ecosystem, and ensures the platform supports global strategic objectives. You'll be signing off on multi-million-pound contracts here.

Authoring Suites (e.g., Articulate 360, Vyond) Strategic/Architect

Sets enterprise-wide standards for instructional design, accessibility (WCAG), and content quality. Evaluates and selects new authoring or learning technologies to ensure they meet future strategic needs and deliver engaging experiences.

GRC / Policy Systems (e.g., ServiceNow GRC, OneTrust) Strategic/Architect

Influences the GRC system's data architecture to ensure training attestation data can be seamlessly linked to policy acceptance and risk controls for board-level reporting and audit defensibility. This is about making sure the systems talk to each other to protect us.

Advanced Analytics & Visualisation (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) Strategic/Architect

Defines the key metrics and KPIs for the entire learning function. Presents sophisticated data visualisations in executive and board meetings to demonstrate programme effectiveness, ROI, and risk mitigation. You're telling the story with data.

Collaboration & Workflow Tools (e.g., MS Teams, Confluence, Jira) Strategic/Architect

Designs the cross-functional workflows between Legal, L&D, IT, and business units, often using automation. Uses these tools to report on programme status, strategic initiatives, and resource allocation to senior leadership and the Board.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Global L&D Strategy & Vision No involvement, follows established strategy. Contributes project-level ideas within the existing strategy. Defines the multi-year vision and strategic pillars for the entire global L&D function, subject to Board approval.
L&D Budget Allocation (Global) Manages small project budgets (<£1K) under supervision. Manages project budgets (up to £50K) within approved programme allocations. Owns and allocates the entire global L&D budget (£10M+), making strategic investment decisions across all programmes, technologies, and resources.
Strategic Learning Technology Selection Uses existing tools; reports basic technical issues. Evaluates specific features of tools; recommends minor enhancements. Leads the selection, procurement, and implementation of all major enterprise learning platforms (e.g., LMS, LXP, AI learning tools), defining the overall architecture and vendor strategy.
Organisational Design & Talent for L&D No involvement. Provides input on team structure for specific projects. Designs the organisational structure of the global L&D function, makes all executive hiring decisions within L&D, and defines the talent strategy for the function.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Reduction in Regulatory Fines & Incidents
The direct correlation between our compliance training programmes and a decrease in regulatory penalties or internal compliance breaches.
Target · Zero 'major' audit findings related to training adequacy; 10% year-over-year reduction in compliance incidents attributable to human error.

After implementing a new global anti-bribery training programme, we saw a 15% drop in reported suspicious activities and zero fines in that domain for the year, saving us an estimated £2M in potential penalties.

Talent Pipeline Readiness & Internal Mobility
How effectively our learning programmes prepare employees for future roles, reducing reliance on external hiring for critical positions.
Target · Increase internal fill rate for leadership roles by 20% over three years; 70% of critical roles have a ready-now internal successor.

Our leadership development programme resulted in 65% of all Director-level promotions coming from internal candidates last year, saving significant recruitment costs and time-to-productivity.

Learning Programme ROI & Cost Efficiency
The measurable financial return on our investment in learning, comparing programme costs to tangible business benefits or cost savings.
Target · Demonstrate a positive ROI (e.g., 3:1) for all major learning initiatives; reduce external training spend by 15% through internal capability building.

By developing an in-house data analytics academy, we reduced our reliance on external consultants for advanced reporting by 30%, saving £750K annually, against a programme cost of £250K.

Critical Compliance Training Completion Rates
Ensuring that all mandatory, high-risk compliance training is completed by the required deadlines across the global organisation.
Target · 99.5% completion for all 'Tier 1' mandatory compliance training (e.g., Code of Conduct, Anti-Money Laundering) by deadline.

Achieved 99.8% completion for the annual GDPR refresher course across all European employees by the 31st December deadline, ensuring full regulatory adherence.

Board and Executive Confidence in Learning Strategy
The degree to which the Board and Executive Leadership Team trust and actively support the learning agenda, seeing it as a strategic differentiator.
  • Regular invitations to present at Board meetings
  • proactive requests for learning insights on strategic initiatives
  • increased budget allocation for learning
  • positive feedback in executive talent reviews about L&D's impact.
Organisational Learning Culture Maturity
The extent to which continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and adaptability are embedded in our company's DNA, moving beyond 'check-the-box' training.
  • High voluntary engagement in optional learning programmes
  • internal knowledge sharing platforms are active and self-sustaining
  • employees actively seeking feedback and development opportunities
  • learning is seen as a shared responsibility, not just an L&D task.
Effectiveness of Risk-Based Training Strategy
How well our training programmes are targeted to address the most significant compliance and operational risks facing the business.
  • External auditors explicitly commending our training approach
  • internal audit findings regularly highlight L&D as a control strength
  • clear evidence of training being directly linked to identified high-risk areas from the enterprise risk register
  • positive feedback from Legal and Risk teams on training relevance.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Driving Enterprise-Wide Transformation

You'll be constantly looking for opportunities to embed learning into strategic initiatives, whether it's a new product launch, a market expansion, or a major cultural shift. You'll get a real buzz from seeing your vision for talent development translate into tangible business outcomes.

Leading the integration of learning for a major acquisition, ensuring cultural alignment and rapid upskilling of new employees to meet regulatory standards.

Protecting the Company's Future & Reputation

The thought of a major compliance failure due to inadequate training keeps you up at night – in a good way, because it drives you to build truly robust programmes. You'll find deep satisfaction in knowing your work directly shields the company from significant financial and reputational harm.

Successfully navigating a complex regulatory audit, with the auditors commending the strength and defensibility of our global compliance training framework.

Developing Future Leaders & Talent

You'll spend a good chunk of your time thinking about succession planning, leadership academies, and how to unlock the full potential of our workforce. Seeing individuals grow and thrive because of the learning ecosystem you've built will be a huge motivator.

Launching a new global leadership programme that demonstrably improves retention rates for high-potential employees and accelerates their readiness for senior roles.

What frustrates people
  • Dealing with executive teams who view L&D as a cost centre rather than a strategic investment.
  • The constant tension between global consistency and local regulatory/cultural nuances.
  • Navigating complex organisational politics to get buy-in for enterprise-wide initiatives.
  • The slow pace of change in large, regulated organisations, especially when trying to innovate learning approaches.
  • Proving the ROI of learning in a way that resonates with finance and the board, especially for preventative compliance training.
What this role does not give you
  • A quiet, predictable work environment with minimal political navigation.
  • Immediate, tangible results from every single initiative you launch.
  • The ability to avoid difficult conversations with senior leaders or external regulators.
  • A role where you can simply execute rather than define the strategy and vision.

8Who you work with

Your impact is truly enterprise-wide. You'll directly influence our corporate culture, our ability to manage global risks, and our capacity to innovate. You're responsible for ensuring we have the right skills in the right places, not just today, but for the next 3-5 years. This means mitigating legal and reputational risks through robust compliance training, while also building a talent pipeline that drives growth. Your decisions will directly affect employee engagement, retention, and ultimately, our market position and shareholder value.

Inside the business
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Chief People Officer (CPO)
  • General Counsel (GC)
  • Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • Business Unit Presidents/MDs
  • Board of Directors (especially Audit & Risk Committees)
Outside the business
  • Regulatory Bodies (e.g., FCA, SEC, ICO)
  • External Auditors
  • Industry Associations & Think Tanks
  • Strategic Learning Technology Vendors
  • Key Investors

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • A proven track record of 20+ years in Learning & Development, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles (e.g., Director, Head of L&D) managing global teams and significant budgets.
  • Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating enterprise-wide learning strategies that demonstrably impact business outcomes and mitigate risk.
  • Deep expertise in compliance training, with a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and audit defensibility.
  • Significant experience presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and Board members.
  • Demonstrable experience in leading large-scale organisational change and cultural transformation through learning initiatives.
  • Proven ability to manage multi-million-pound budgets and make strategic investment decisions for learning technology and programmes.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) & Skills Clouds

The shift from 'push' learning to 'pull' learning, driven by personalised experiences and skills-based pathways, means LXPs and skills clouds are becoming central to talent development. You need to understand how these platforms can create highly engaging, relevant, and measurable learning journeys.

Content Curation & Aggregation · Personalisation Engines · Skills Graph & Taxonomy Management · Integration with HRIS & Performance Management

  • This quarter: Conduct a strategic review of our current LMS capabilities versus leading LXPs.
  • Next 6 months: Develop a business case for migrating to or integrating with an LXP, focusing on ROI and talent impact.
  • Next 12 months: Oversee the vendor selection and initial implementation of a new LXP or skills cloud platform.
  • Ongoing: Engage with industry analysts and peer organisations on best practices for LXP adoption and impact measurement.

Quick win: Pilot a small-scale LXP integration for a specific department to gather real-world feedback and demonstrate value before a full enterprise rollout.

Behavioural Economics for Learning Design

Simply providing training isn't enough; we need to understand why people engage (or don't) and how to nudge them towards desired behaviours, especially in compliance. Applying behavioural science principles can dramatically increase the effectiveness and impact of learning programmes.

Nudge Theory & Choice Architecture · Loss Aversion & Framing · Social Proof & Gamification · Cognitive Biases in Learning

  • This quarter: Read key books on behavioural economics (e.g., 'Nudge', 'Thinking, Fast and Slow').
  • Next 6 months: Commission a review of our existing compliance training through a behavioural economics lens, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Next 12 months: Implement a pilot programme using behavioural nudges to increase completion rates for a challenging mandatory course.
  • Ongoing: Encourage your team to integrate behavioural science principles into all new learning designs and evaluations.

Quick win: Introduce 'social proof' messages into compliance training reminders (e.g., '90% of your colleagues have already completed the XYZ training') to see an immediate uptick in engagement.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regular participation in executive leadership programmes focusing on strategy, governance, and digital transformation.
  • Active engagement with industry bodies and thought leadership forums (e.g., CLO Symposium, World Economic Forum on Future of Work).
  • Continuous learning in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) and their application to learning and talent development.
  • Mentorship of aspiring L&D leaders, demonstrating a commitment to developing the next generation of talent.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

AI-Driven Talent Orchestration

AI is rapidly moving beyond simple content generation to orchestrating entire talent ecosystems. Leaders who can harness AI to dynamically match skills to projects, personalise career paths, and predict future skill demands will build a truly agile workforce. This is about optimising human potential with intelligent systems.

  • Skills Taxonomy & Ontologies
  • Personalised Learning Journeys
  • Workforce Planning & Scenario Modelling
  • Ethical AI in Talent Management

Digital Ethics & AI Governance in Learning

As AI becomes more embedded in learning, questions around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical use of employee data become paramount. As a C-suite leader, you'll be accountable for establishing the ethical guardrails and governance frameworks that protect both the company and its employees. Get this wrong, and you're facing reputational damage and regulatory fines.

  • Data Privacy & Security in AI Learning
  • Algorithmic Bias Detection & Mitigation
  • Transparency & Explainability (XAI)
  • Ethical AI Policy Development

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Enterprise Learning Strategy & Architecture
  • GRC Integration & Defensibility
  • Organisational Development & Talent Management
  • Advanced Learning Analytics & ROI Measurement

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Director of Global Learning & Development

    3-5 years at Director level

    Skills to master

    • Mastering global programme management, building and leading large, diverse teams, managing multi-million-pound budgets, and consistently delivering strategic impact across multiple business units.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully led significant enterprise-wide learning initiatives (e.g., a new global leadership academy, a major compliance training overhaul).
    • Consistently received top performance ratings for strategic thinking and executive influence.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships at the C-suite level.
    • Proven track record of building and developing high-performing L&D leadership teams.
  2. 2

    Chief Compliance Officer (with strong L&D focus)

    5-7 years as CCO or Head of Compliance

    Skills to master

    • Deepening expertise in global regulatory frameworks, enterprise risk management, and the legal defensibility of compliance programmes. This path requires a natural inclination towards people development and cultural change.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully navigated major regulatory audits with positive outcomes related to training.
    • Led initiatives that significantly reduced compliance incidents through cultural and training interventions.
    • Developed and implemented innovative approaches to compliance education that went beyond 'check-the-box'.
    • Demonstrated strong leadership of compliance teams and effective cross-functional collaboration with HR/L&D.
  3. 3

    Head of Talent Management / Organisational Development

    4-6 years in a senior talent leadership role

    Skills to master

    • Broadening expertise beyond pure learning to encompass performance management, succession planning, organisational design, and HR analytics. This path requires a strong understanding of how learning integrates into the broader talent ecosystem.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully designed and implemented enterprise-wide talent programmes (e.g., succession planning, performance frameworks).
    • Demonstrated ability to use data to drive talent decisions and measure programme effectiveness.
    • Proven capability to influence senior business leaders on talent strategy and organisational change.
    • Managed complex organisational development projects with measurable positive outcomes.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This role can lead to chief executive positions, board or non-executive director roles, or work as an industry consultant advising on learning, talent and compliance.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how VP, Global Learning & Development is actually changing.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Provide learning opportunities for colleagues, worked against VP, Global Learning & Development.

Provide learning opportunities for colleagues Level 5

Applied to your work in VP, Global Learning & Development

This unit aims to equip learners with the skills to encourage learning and development in colleagues. Learners will be able to help colleagues identify learning needs, plan and implement learning opportunities, and review and update their development plans.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
VP, Global Learning & Development
  • Enterprise Learning Strategy & Architecture
  • GRC Integration & Defensibility
  • Organisational Development & Talent Management
  • Advanced Learning Analytics & ROI Measurement
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

VP, Global Learning & Development is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Chief People Officer (CPO)

    3-5 years as VP, Global L&D

    Enterprise-wide HR leadership, reporting directly to the CEO.

    • Advanced labour law and industrial relations.
    • Executive compensation design and governance.
    • Global HR policy development and implementation.
    • Crisis management from a people perspective.
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)

    5-7 years as VP, Global L&D

    Broader operational leadership, potentially across multiple business units.

    • Lean Six Sigma or other operational excellence methodologies.
    • Global supply chain management.
    • Large-scale programme and portfolio management.
    • Business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

As VP of Global Learning & Development, your time is gold. You're constantly juggling board presentations, strategic planning, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Frankly, you can't afford to get bogged down in manual analysis or drafting. This is where AI comes in – not to replace your strategic brain, but to amplify it.

Imagine having a super-smart assistant that can instantly distil hundreds of pages of regulatory updates, predict future skill gaps, and even draft your executive summaries. That's the reality with AI. It frees you up to focus on what truly matters: setting the vision, influencing at the highest levels, and making those critical, human-centric decisions that only you can make. It's about shifting from reactive problem-solving to proactive strategic leadership.

Strategic Learning Roadmapping

Feed an AI tool market trend analyses, internal skill gap assessments, and competitor reports. It'll then suggest multi-year learning roadmaps, identifying critical future skills and compliance training needs, giving you a massive head start on your strategic planning.

Global Compliance Risk Prediction

Use AI models to continuously scan global regulatory updates, geopolitical events, and internal incident data. It can predict emerging areas of compliance risk, allowing you to proactively design and deploy training before a problem even surfaces. It's like having a crystal ball for risk mitigation.

Executive Briefing Synthesis

Got a stack of audit findings, talent review reports, or industry whitepapers to digest before a board meeting? An AI assistant can distil these complex documents into concise, board-ready summaries, key takeaways, and even draft initial talking points, saving you hours of preparation time.

Learning Ecosystem ROI Analysis

Connect AI to your LMS, HRIS, and business performance data. It can correlate learning programme participation with tangible business outcomes – think reduced incident rates, improved talent mobility, or increased productivity – giving you compelling data to demonstrate financial impact to the CFO and Board.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a VP, Global Learning & Development?

Common routes in include Director of Global Learning & Development (3-5 years at Director level), Chief Compliance Officer (with strong L&D focus) (5-7 years as CCO or Head of Compliance) and Head of Talent Management / Organisational Development (4-6 years in a senior talent leadership role). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a VP, Global Learning & Development progress to?

This role can lead on to Chief People Officer (CPO) (3-5 years as VP, Global L&D) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) (5-7 years as VP, Global L&D), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a VP, Global Learning & Development?

Increasingly, AI-Driven Talent Orchestration and Digital Ethics & AI Governance in Learning. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 7

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

More jobs in learning and development

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.

If you leave this industry

Skills in strategic learning, talent development and compliance risk management carry across regulated industries, including financial services, healthcare, technology and pharmaceuticals. The rules differ by sector, but the task of building capable, compliant workforces stays the same.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my VP, Global Learning & Development plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.